Our Mission
'Ai Pono Foundation works collaboratively with 'Ai Pono Hawaii to enhance patient care for those seeking eating disorder treatment. We are dedicated to supporting Hawaii residents struggling with eating disorders through our patients' assistance fund, community outreach, and educational programs.
Guiding Principles
‘AO
To learn, teach, counsel
We are committed to educating and providing resources to the community to further their understanding of eating disorders and available care.
Kuleana
Responsibility to self and others
As supporters of eating disorder treatment, we feel that it is our responsibility to raise awareness, educate our community, and improve the quality of and access to care.
Lokahi
To exist in unity and harmony
We proudly unite with an expanding community of eating disorder professionals in order to support the highest quality care and access to care - serving the Hawaiian islands.
Board of Directors
Sarina Ponte, LMHC, LAC, CEDS, CIEC
President
Sarina is a licensed therapist specializing in eating disorders. Her professional journey has encompassed diverse treatment settings, including inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and outpatient care. Currently, she operates her therapy practice on the island of Maui. Sarina was previously the Founder/President of the Project Heal Denver Chapter. She was also the President of the International Associations of Eating Disorder Professionals Hawaii Chapter. She is excited to use her knowledge and passion to serve the community.
Joanne Parker, RDN
Vice President
Originally from Austin, Joanne moved permanently to Maui in 2020. Prior to joining the foundation, she served on the boards of the HFUU Haleakala chapter and the City of Rollingwood Park Commission. She has a bachelor’s of science degree in nutrition and worked in the healthcare field for over 25 years.
Joanne is thrilled to help the ‘Ai Pono Foundation achieve its mission of providing greater access to educational and financial resources to support those affected by eating disorders.
ARIANA TENAGLIA, MS
Secretary
Ariana is a licensed nutritionist with a background in nutrition education. She began her career with an internship at ‘Ai Pono Hawaii and was previously on the board of the International Associations of Eating Disorder Professionals Hawaii Chapter. Ariana delighted is to be a member of the board for the ‘Ai Pono Foundation, and looks forward to serving her community.
Helena Erece, PHR
Treasurer
Helena has over twenty-five years of experience in financial management, administration, and human resources.
cathy meyer-uyehara, FACHE, NHA
Ex-Officio
As Chief Executive Officer of ‘Ai Pono Hawaii and Central Coast Treatment Centers, Cathy brings over forty years of experience within the acute and post-acute healthcare continuum. Cathy is both personally and professionally driven to provide a safe and supportive care setting for individuals struggling with eating disorders as well as their family members and caregivers.
Cathy is equally as passionate about leadership and as a qualifed life coach supports the ‘Ai Pono Hawaii team members to realize their fullest potentials and professional aspirations.
Saundra Gaskey Moriyasu, RDN
Director
Saundra is a Registered Dietitian/ Nutritionist who has over 30 years of healthcare experience, including working with those struggling with eating disorders.
Saundra has lived on Maui for 20 years and has served on a variety of boards, including non-profits, community, county and state level organizations. She is committed to increasing awareness of disordered eating in the local community and is excited about working with ‘Ai Pono Foundation.
She enjoys spending time with her young twin boys, walking, swimming, fishing, gardening and cooking.
Shelley Reibling, BS, MSN
Director
Shelley has lived in Hawaii since 1986. She has more than 40 years of experience in health care and retired from Kaiser as a Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner where she worked on the islands of Oahu and Maui.
Shelley brings a wealth of philanthropic experience to the foundation including her service on Oahu on the Hawaii Nurses' Association board of directors in multiple positions. She was also appointed to the vestry of the Good Shepard Church on Maui and served for 6 years. In addition, Shelley was a volunteer certified tutor for Hawaii Literacy on Oahu and a Big Sister for BBBS Maui for 6 years.
Shelley is pleased to join the board of directors for the Ai Pono Foundation and looks forward to participating in the community outreach program.